Four Steps On How To Set Goals

By Author: Tom Nehrenz
Total Articles: 4
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We all know that setting goals is the most important step to achieving success, no matter how large or small those successes may be. Whether we want to lose 20 pounds, save enough money for retirement, or get a promotion, goal setting is the first and most fundamental step to take on our journey. But often people are left wondering exactly how to set goals.

How to Set Goals Step 1: Define your goal

Goals are not wishes. You may wish to win the lottery, or to teleport to Mars, but those things are nearly impossible, so they are not goals.
In order for something to be a goal it has to be:
Within your power to make it happen through your own actions
Something you have a reasonable chance of achieving
Something that is important to you

The most well known formula for defining your goals is to use the SMART formula. Goals have the most chance of being accomplished successfully when they are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound.

An example of a SMART goal is: "I will lose 5 pounds by the end of next month." This goal statement is Specific - I'm going ...
... to lose weight. It's Measurable - 5 pounds can be measured. It's Attainable - I can attain losing 5 pounds. It's Realistic - losing 5 pounds in one month is realistic. It's Time-bound - by the end of next month.

How to Set Goals Step 2: List steps to take towards achieving your goal

List the specific steps that you need to take in order to achieve your goal. Ideally you want to revisit your steps daily. For some goals, you can go over your steps weekly. But check in regularly. Are you doing the work needed to achieve your goal? If not, what can you to do get back on track? If your original steps seem too hard or unmanageable, go back and change them and make them easier for you to start accomplishing.

How to Set Goals Step 3: List possible roadblocks and how to get around them

The one thing you can count on when goal setting is the inevitable roadblock. If you are prepared ahead of time to deal with these stumbling points as they arise, you have a much higher chance of overcoming problems and achieving your goal. So take time to brainstorm everything that could go wrong, whether it is within you, or from outside forces.

Once you've imagined every possible roadblock you can think of, brainstorm as many ways around them as possible. Write them all down. Preparation is the best defense against any obstacle.

How to Set Goals Step 4: Set deadlines

You must have a deadline for your goal or you have almost no hope of success. Deadlines force us to take action. If there is no end date, it is far too easy to just keep pushing the goal back, and back, and back. Deadlines keep you focused on where you are going and if the road you are taking to get there is the most efficient and effective.

Follow these simple steps when outlining your goals and before you know it you'll be on your way to achieving your goals.

Tom Nehrenz is a certified coach and offers a complimentary coaching program to help individuals to make a better life with life coaching and help small business owners define their goals and reach them faster with business coaching.